Article of clothing

ABSTRACT

An article of clothing for a body of a person includes: a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of the person&#39;s body when the article of clothing is worn; a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing and a method of protecting ones&#39; body by donning an article of clothing are also included.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/913,296, filed Apr. 22, 2007, which provisionalpatent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an article of clothing foruse while engaged in athletic activities. The athletic apparel markethas exploded in recent years. Companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebokmanufacture a wide range and assortment of athletic apparel for use in avariety of athletic activities. The apparel needs of all athletes arenot identical, however.

A need continues to exist for improvements in athletic apparel for usewhile engaged in activities such as cheerleading, gymnastics, Pilates,Yoga, and other general athletic activities and exercises. One or moresuch needs are addressed by one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling, and other athleticactivities, the present invention is not limited to use only in athleticactivities, as will become apparent from the following summaries anddetailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodimentsof the present invention. Indeed, the invention may be used in suchactivities as Pilates, Yoga and other exercises.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an articleof clothing for a body of a person. An exemplary such article ofclothing includes a stretchable fabric defining a form-fitting bodyportion for closely covering a portion of the person's body when thearticle of clothing is worn, a plurality of gripping areas located on anexterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areas havinga higher relative coefficient of friction than a relative coefficient offriction of the fabric defining the body portion, and a plurality ofimpact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion defines araised collar for at least partially encircling the area of the neckwhen the article is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbingpadding member is located in the raised collar.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the fabric comprises amoisture-wicking material for drawing perspiration away from the body ofthe person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate thenonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area forlifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises silicone rubber.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generallyoval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximityto one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the grippingarea.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises a cluster of six generally oval-shaped surfaces of siliconerubber screen printed onto the fabric of the body portion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the plurality of generallyoval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area are located in close proximityto one another so as to define a triangular periphery of the grippingarea.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area ofa shoulder when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area ofa side of the torso below the arm when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area ofa back of a thigh when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an areaproximate a knee when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area ofa back of a knee when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover an area ofan elbow when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first gripping area islocated on the body portion so as to at least partially cover one of theimpact-absorbing padding members.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of thearticle of clothing covers a majority of the lower half of the body ofthe person, the article comprising pants.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of thearticle of clothing covers a majority of the upper half of the body ofthe person, the article comprising a shirt.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the body portion of thearticle of clothing covers a majority of the body of the person, thearticle comprising a jumpsuit.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least oneimpact-absorbing pad member is sewn to a layer of the fabric of the bodyportion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the at least oneimpact-absorbing pad member is retained between inner and outer layersof the fabric.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the inner and outer layersof the fabric are sewn together about a periphery of the at least oneimpact-absorbing pad member.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively cover at least a portion of the knee of thebody of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of theimpact-absorbing pad members covering the knee is approximately 5¾inches wide by 7¼ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing padmember is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a forearmof the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a first impact-absorbingpad member is configured to at least partially cover an outer portion ofa forearm of the body of the person when the article of clothing isworn, and a second impact-absorbing pad member is configured to at leastpartially cover an inner portion of a forearm of the body of the personwhen the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the first andsecond impact-absorbing pad members is approximately 1¾ inches wide by5¾ inches long.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing padmember is configured to at least partially cover a portion of an elbowof the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmember covering the elbow is approximately 3½ inches wide by 4½ incheslong.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, an impact-absorbing padmember is configured to at least partially cover a portion of a bicep ofthe body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmember covering the bicep is approximately 3 inches wide by 4½ incheslong.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of thebody of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively cover at least a portion of the shouldersof the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers collectively cover at least an outer portion of each forearm ofthe body of the person when the article of clothing is worn, an innerportion of each forearm of the body of the person when the article ofclothing is worn, a portion of each elbow of the body of the person whenthe article of clothing is worn, and a portion of each bicep of the bodyof the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively cover at least a portion of the neck of thebody of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively cover at least a portion of the shouldersof the body of the person when the article of clothing is worn.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofmanufacturing an article of clothing. An exemplary such method includesthe steps of screen printing silicone rubber onto a stretchable fabricin preselected areas of the fabric, attaching pads to the fabric inpreselected areas of the fabric, and fabricating an article of clothingusing the fabric such that the article of clothing comprises aform-fitting body portion for closely covering a portion of a person'sbody when the article of clothing is worn. Furthermore, in this aspectof the invention, the screen printed silicone rubber defines a pluralityof gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion,each of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of frictionthan a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the bodyportion, and the pads are covered by the exterior surface of the bodyportion.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said screen printing stepis performed before said pads are attached.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the pads are attachedbefore said screen printing step is performed.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises an area that is dimensioned and configured to facilitate thenonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at the gripping area forlifting, catching, and throwing of the person.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each of the gripping areascomprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces,the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area beinglocated in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangularperiphery of the gripping area.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofprotecting a person's body during gymnastics, cheering, or physicalexercise. An exemplary such method includes the step of donning anarticle of clothing that comprises a stretchable fabric such that thearticle of clothing defines a form-fitting body portion for closelycovering a portion of the person's body. Furthermore, in this aspect ofthe invention, the article of clothing further includes a plurality ofgripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion, andeach of the gripping areas has a higher relative coefficient of frictionthan a relative coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the bodyportion. In this aspect of the invention, the article of clothingfurther includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members. Still yet,in this aspect of the invention, said donning includes positioning thearticle of clothing such that the gripping areas collectively at leastpartially cover areas including the shoulders, the sides of the torsobelow the arm, and the elbows. Further still, in this aspect of theinvention, said donning includes positioning the article of clothingsuch that the impact-absorbing pad members collectively at leastpartially cover inner and outer portions of the forearm, the elbows, thebiceps, and the shoulders.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively at least partially cover the neck.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the impact-absorbing padmembers further collectively at least partially cover the knee.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the gripping areas furthercollectively at least partially cover areas proximate the knee.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method furtherincludes lifting the person who has donned the article of clothing offof the ground by gripping the person's body at one of the gripping areaswith a hand.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method furtherincludes throwing the person who has donned the article of clothing bygripping with a hand the person's body at one of the gripping areas witha hand.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the method furtherincludes catching the person who has donned the article of clothing bygripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinthe same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, andwherein,

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 110 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 110 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 210 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 310 inaccordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 310 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 410 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 410 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 410 in which the person has one arm extended;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a front of a shirt 506 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a gripping area 12 of the shirt 506 ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the top of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11turned inside out;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the back of the shirt 506 of FIG.11 turned inside out;

FIG. 16 is a close-up view illustrating an area of elbow padding 16B inthe shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 17 is a close up view of an area of inner forearm padding 16A1 inthe shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 18 is a close up view of an area of outer forearm padding 16A2 inthe shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turned inside out;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the spatial relationship ofthe padding areas 16A1,16A2,16B,16C of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11 turnedinside out;

FIG. 20 is a close-up view illustrating both a collar 520 and a logo 502in the upper half of the front of the shirt 506 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a front side of a pair of pants 508in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508 ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants 508 ofFIG. 21 turned inside out;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508 ofFIG. 21 turned inside out;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of agripping area 612 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member 619bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric 604 to be used in constructingarticles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a template 710 for use inmanufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbingpads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a sleeve template 910 for use inmanufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Additionally, when used herein and in the claims, the phrase “relativecoefficient of friction” of a surface refers to the coefficient offriction of that surface with respect to the skin of a human hand.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of aperson wearing technical cheer apparel 10 in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention. The technical cheerapparel 10 shown includes two articles of clothing: a shirt 06; andpants 08. The pants are designed to have a waist line 07 located below awearer's 80 hips. Each article of clothing 06,08, or a portion thereof,comprises a stretchable fabric. The fabric includes a moisture-wickingmaterial that is designed so that fibers attract perspiration and drawit from the body of the wearer 80.

Additionally, each article has a plurality of gripping areas 12 locatedon an exterior surface thereof. Each gripping area has a higher relativecoefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of thefabric material making up the body portion of the respective article ofclothing of the technical cheer apparel 10. Furthermore, each grippingarea 12 may itself be made up of several smaller areas. The grippingareas 12 are generally dimensioned and configured to facilitate thenon-slip gripping by hand of the wearer's 80 body at the gripping areas12 for lifting, catching, and throwing of the wearer 80.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the person wearing the technicalcheer apparel 10 of FIG. 1. As will be appreciated from observation ofboth FIGS. 1 and 2, the technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 includesgripping areas 12 located proximate the front and rear of the wearer's80 knees; proximate the side of the wearer's 80 thighs; proximate thefront and rear of a middle portion of the wearer's 80 torso; andproximate the front and rear of the wearer's 80 shoulders. While theselocations are believed to provide optimum performance of the technicalcheer apparel 10, these locations of the gripping areas 12 in this firstpreferred embodiment (as well as in other preferred embodiments) areexemplary only, and do not foreclose other possible locations ofgripping areas in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.Likewise, a location illustrated as having a gripping area 12 in one ormore preferred embodiments may not have a gripping area 12 at thatlocation in other embodiments.

The technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 further includes a pluralityof impact-absorbing pad members. The pad members include shoulder andneck padding 14 retained proximate the wearer's 80 shoulders. Thepadding 14 itself preferably comprises foam pads. The shoulder and neckpadding 14 is configured to reduce bruising and discomfort that can becaused by continuous stunting.

The pad members also include: padding 16 retained by sewing withinlayers of fabric of the shirt 06 proximate the wearer's 80 forearm andproximate the wearer's 80 elbow; and contoured knee padding 18 retainedproximate the wearer's 80 knee. Furthermore, the contoured knee padding18 preferably is configured to provide extra support to the tibia andfibula. Moreover, preferably none of the padding 14,16,18 hinders thewearer's 80 movement while performing athletic activities.

The technical cheer apparel 10 of FIGS. 1-2 also includes a raisedcollar 20. The raised collar 20 is designed to minimize abrasions thatmay be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading activities,especially friction that may occur from contact with a hand or shoe ofanother person.

In the technical cheer apparel 10, the pad members may be bonded to thefabric of the shirt and pants. Alternatively, or in addition to, the padmembers may be sewn to the fabric or contained within pockets formedbetween layers of the fabric that have been sewed together.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 110 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The technical cheer apparel 110 has the same grippingareas 12, padding 14,16,18, and raised collar 20 as the technical cheerapparel 10; however, where the technical cheer apparel 10 includes twoarticles of clothing 06,08, the technical cheer apparel 110 includesonly a single article of clothing in the form of a jumpsuit. FIG. 4 is arear perspective view of the person wearing the technical cheer apparel110 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 210 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The technical cheer apparel 210 has the same grippingareas 12, padding 14,16,18, and raised collar 20 as the technical cheerapparel 10. The technical cheer apparel 210 additionally demonstrateshow impact padding 16 may be located proximate a wearer's 280 innerbiceps.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a person wearing technical cheer apparel 310 inaccordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.Like the technical cheer apparel 110, the technical cheer apparel 310includes two articles of clothing, namely, a shirt 306 and a pair ofpants 308, and each article includes a plurality of gripping areas 12.Unlike the technical cheer apparel 110, however, the technical cheerapparel 310 does not have a raised collar 20 and does not include anypadding 14,16,18. FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a person wearingthe technical cheer apparel 310 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a person wearing technical cheerapparel 410 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a person wearingthe technical cheer apparel 410 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a frontperspective view of a person wearing the technical cheer apparel 410 inwhich the person has one arm extended.

The technical cheer apparel 410 includes two articles of clothing,namely, a shirt 406 and a pair of pants 408. Unlike the technical cheerapparel 10, the technical cheer apparel 410 does not include a pluralityof gripping areas 12. The technical cheer apparel 410 does, however,include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad members sewn into thetechnical cheer apparel 410. Shoulder and neck padding 414 is sewn in tothe underside of the technical cheer apparel 10 proximate the wearer's80 shoulders. This shoulder and neck padding 14 is configured to reducebruising and discomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting.Impact padding 16 is sewn into the underside of the technical cheerapparel 10 proximate the wearer's 80 forearm and proximate the wearer's80 elbow. Preferably, none of the padding 414,416 hinders the wearer's480 movement while performing cheerleading activities and stunting.

FIGS. 11-27 are photographs of an technical cheer apparel 510 inaccordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.The technical cheer apparel 510 includes a shirt 506 and pants 508.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a front of the shirt 506 and FIG.12 is a top perspective view of a rear of the shirt 506. The shirt 506has a plurality of gripping areas 12 on its exterior surface. As shownin FIG. 13, each gripping area 12 itself may comprise several smallerareas 513. The gripping areas 12 are located on the exterior surface ofthe shirt 506 such that each gripping area 12 will be proximate aparticular location of a body of a person that wears the shirt 506. Ascan be perhaps best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 12, the shirt 506 includesgripping areas 12 that will be located proximate a left and right sideof a front and rear of a person's torso, proximate a front and rear ofboth a left and right shoulder of a person, and proximate a front ofboth a left and right elbow of a person.

The shirt 506 also includes a plurality of impact-absorbing pad memberssewn in to an underside of the shirt 506. As used herein and in thedrawings, 506′ is intended to denote the shirt 506 when in an inside-outconfiguration. As can be seen in FIG. 14, shoulder and neck padding 14is sewn in to the underside of the shirt 506′ so as to be locatedproximate a left and right shoulder of a person wearing the shirt 506.This shoulder and neck padding 14 is configured to reduce bruising anddiscomfort that can be caused by continuous stunting.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, impact padding 16A1,16A2,16B,16C is sewn into the underside of the shirt 506′, along each arm of the shirt 506.Specifically, impact padding 16C is positioned so as to be locatedproximate an inner bicep of each arm of a person wearing the shirt 506.Additionally, impact padding 16B is positioned so as to be locatedproximate an outer portion of an elbow of a person wearing the shirt506. FIG. 16 illustrates this impact padding 16B, positioned so as to belocated proximate the elbow of the person wearing the shirt, anddemonstrates how the impact padding 16B is positioned so as to betransected by a sleeve stitch line 532. Further, impact padding16A1,16A2 is positioned so as to be located proximate an inner portionof a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506. FIG. 17 illustratesimpact padding 16A1 positioned so as to be located proximate an innerportion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506. FIG. 18illustrates impact padding 16A2 positioned so as to be located proximatean outer portion of a forearm of a person wearing the shirt 506.

FIG. 19 provides perspective of the relative spatial relationship of thepadding 16A1,16A2,16B,16C and shows how 16B is twisted around to a frontof the shirt 506 for the photograph. Preferably, none of the padding14,16A1,16A2,16B,16C hinders movement of a person wearing the shirt 506.

As can be seen in FIG. 20, the shirt 506 additionally includes a raisedcollar 520. The raised collar 520 is designed to minimize abrasions thatmay be caused by friction resulting from cheerleading and otheractivities, specifically friction which may occur from contact with ahand or shoe of another person. Furthermore, while the raised collar 520is not shown having impact padding, impact padding may be provided inaccordance with a variation of this preferred embodiment. The shirt 506further includes a logo 502.

FIGS. 21-24 are views of the pair of pants 508. FIG. 21 is a topperspective photograph of a front side of the pants 508 and FIG. 22 is atop perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508. Like the shirt506, the pants 508 have a plurality of gripping areas 12 attached totheir exterior surface. Each gripping area 12 itself is made up ofseveral smaller areas. The gripping areas 12 are positioned on theexterior surface of the pants 508 such that each gripping area 12 willbe proximate a particular location of a body of a person that wears thepants 508. As can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the pants 508 includegripping areas 12 that will be located proximate a front and rear ofboth a left and right knee of a person, and proximate a rear portionjust below a waist of a person.

The pants 508 also include a plurality of impact-absorbing pad memberssewn in to an underside of the pants 508. As used herein and in thedrawings, 508′ denotes the pants 508 in an inside-out configuration.FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a front side of the pants 508′, andFIG. 24 a top perspective view of a rear side of the pants 508′. As canbe seen in FIG. 23, contoured knee padding 18 is sewn in to theunderside of the pants 508′ so as to be located proximate a front of aleft and right knee of a person wearing the pants 508. This contouredknee padding 18 is configured to provide extra support to the tibia andfibula. Preferably, none of the padding 18 hinders movement of a personwearing the pants 508.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternative arrangement of agripping area 612 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The gripping area 612 includes a plurality of smallerareas 613 that are generally ovular. The configuration of the pluralityof smaller areas 613 in FIG. 11 is illustrative only, there are manyalternative configurations that may be utilized in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of an impact-absorbing pad member 619bonded to a piece of a stretchable fabric 604 to be used in constructingarticles of clothing in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 27-29 relate to methods of manufacturing an article of clothing inaccordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a template 710 for use inmanufacturing shirts and pants in accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention. The template 710 indicates preselectedprinting areas 712 where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto astretchable fabric. The template 710 further indicates, by solid lines,template sections that the stretchable fabric is to be sectioned into.Template sections 708 are configured to be joined together to form apair of pants in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Template sections 706 are configured to be joined together to form ashirt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thepair of pants and the shirt may further be joined together to form ajumpsuit, or may remain separate.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the profiles of impact-absorbingpads for use in manufacturing shirts and pants in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention. The pad template 810indicates the profile of impact-absorbing pad members that are to beaffixed to a stretchable fabric in manufacturing an article of clothing.This affixation may be accomplished by sewing an impact-absorbing padmember to the stretchable fabric. Alternatively, there may be a firstlayer of stretchable fabric and second layer of fabric, and thisaffixation may take the form of retaining the impact-absorbing padmember between the first layer of stretchable fabric and the secondlayer of fabric. Still yet, this affixation may take the form of sewinga first layer of stretchable fabric and a second layer of fabrictogether about a periphery of the impact-absorbing pad member.

FIG. 29 is schematic illustration of a sleeve template 910 for use inmanufacturing shirts in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. The sleeve template 910 indicates preselectedprinting areas 912 where silicone rubber is to be screen printed onto astretchable fabric. The sleeve template 910 further indicates, by dottedlines, preselected padding areas 914 where impact-absorbing pad membersare to be affixed to an underside of the stretchable fabric. The sleevetemplate 910 further indicates, by a solid line, the outline of a sleevesection that is to be sectioned from the stretchable fabric. After suchsectioning, the sleeve section may be wrapped around on itself such thata portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeve protrusion 962is received in a portion of the sleeve section corresponding to a sleeveprotrusion receptor 964.

Although only a sleeve template 910 is illustrated in detail herein, itwill be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that thisprocess may be applied to every section of an article of clothing inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

1. An article of clothing for a body of a person, comprising: (a) astretchable fabric defining a form-fitting body portion for closelycovering a portion of the person's body when the article of clothing isworn; (b) a plurality of gripping areas located on an exterior surfaceof the body portion, each of the gripping areas having a higher relativecoefficient of friction than a relative coefficient of friction of thefabric defining the body portion; and (c) a plurality ofimpact-absorbing pad members attached to the body portion.
 2. Thearticle of clothing of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines araised collar for at least partially encircling the area of the neckwhen the article is worn, and wherein an impact-absorbing padding memberis located in the raised collar.
 3. The article of clothing of claim 1,wherein each of the gripping areas comprises an area that is dimensionedand configured to facilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of theperson's body at the gripping area for lifting, catching, and throwingof the person.
 4. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein each ofthe gripping areas comprises silicone rubber.
 5. The article of clothingof claim 3, wherein each of the gripping areas comprises a cluster of aplurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces.
 6. The article of clothingof claim 5, wherein the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of agripping area are located in close proximity to one another so as todefine a triangular periphery of the gripping area.
 7. The article ofclothing of claim 3, wherein a first gripping area is located on thebody portion so as to at least partially cover one of theimpact-absorbing padding members.
 8. The article of clothing of claim 1,wherein the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is sewn to a layerof the fabric of the body portion.
 9. The article of clothing of claim1, wherein the at least one impact-absorbing pad member is retainedbetween inner and outer layers of the fabric.
 10. The article ofclothing of claim 9, wherein the inner and outer layers of the fabricare sewn together about a periphery of the at least one impact-absorbingpad member.
 11. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing,comprising the steps of: (a) screen printing silicone rubber onto astretchable fabric in preselected areas of the fabric; (b) attachingpads to the fabric in preselected areas of the fabric; and (c)fabricating an article of clothing using the fabric such that thearticle of clothing comprises a form-fitting body portion for closelycovering a portion of a person's body when the article of clothing isworn; (d) wherein the screen printed silicone rubber defines a pluralityof gripping areas located on an exterior surface of the body portion,each of the gripping areas having a higher coefficient of friction thana coefficient of friction of the fabric defining the body portion; and(e) wherein the pads are covered by the exterior surface of the bodyportion.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said screen printing stepis performed before said pads are attached.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the pads are attached before said screen printing step isperformed.
 14. The article of clothing of claim 13, wherein each of thegripping areas comprises an area that is dimensioned and configured tofacilitate the nonslip gripping by hand of the person's body at thegripping area for lifting, catching, and throwing of the person.
 15. Thearticle of clothing of claim 14, wherein each of the gripping areascomprises a cluster of a plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces,the plurality of generally oval-shaped surfaces of a gripping area beinglocated in close proximity to one another so as to define a triangularperiphery of the gripping area.
 16. A method of protecting a person'sbody during gymnastics, cheering, or physical exercise, comprising thestep of donning an article of clothing that comprises a stretchablefabric such that the article of clothing defines a form-fitting bodyportion for closely covering a portion of the person's body, the articleof clothing further comprising a plurality of gripping areas located onan exterior surface of the body portion, each of the gripping areashaving a higher coefficient of friction than a coefficient of frictionof the fabric defining the body portion, and a plurality ofimpact-absorbing pad members, wherein said donning includes: (a)positioning the article of clothing such that the gripping areascollectively at least partially cover areas including, (i) theshoulders, (ii) the sides of the torso below the arm, (iii) the elbows,and (b) positioning the article of clothing such that theimpact-absorbing pad members collectively at least partially cover, (i)inner and outer portions of the forearm, (ii) the elbows, (iii) thebiceps, and (iv) the shoulders.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theimpact-absorbing pad members further collectively at least partiallycover areas of the neck and the knee, and wherein the gripping areasfurther collectively at least partially cover areas proximate the knee.18. The method of claim 16, further comprising lifting the person whohas donned the article of clothing off of the ground by gripping theperson's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.
 19. The methodof claim 16, further comprising throwing the person who has donned thearticle of clothing by gripping with a hand the person's body at one ofthe gripping areas with a hand.
 20. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising catching the person who has donned the article of clothing bygripping the person's body at one of the gripping areas with a hand.